Search - Sergey Rachmaninov, Andre Previn, London Symphony Orchestra :: Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 3

These are quite simply the best

G.D. | Norway | 01/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As with a lot of major companies, Polygram has apparently decided - thoroughly unwisely so - that they ought to be able to compete with Naxos in the budget range. And indeed they should be, for in most of the Eloquence repertoire, they are virtually unbeatable. I am, however, pretty sure that in virtue of the lousy presentation that loudly flaunts talentlessness, lack of taste, unprofessionality and consistent underestimation of their customers, they are bound to lose, even if they have everything on their side at the outset. That said, you cannot really overrate the performances here - these are quite simply stunning versions, and I cannot imagine how even a newcomer to the music could fail to be blown away and develop a lasting taste for this music.



Ashkenazy's playing is simply outstanding, and for the most part even darker than most of the competitors. In his hands (and the hands of Previn and the LSO) every reminiscence of Hollywood is swept away and both works come across as utterly fresh and unhackneyed. But even though the performance of the first concerto is magisterial, it doesn't quite reach the height of the third; from utmost darkness to almost dizzying grandeur, these readings have it all; epic sweep and detailed attention to color and lyricism, both playfulness and dark fervor. Both concertos receive rather expansive and unhurried readings and are none the worse for that. The sound quality is outstanding as well, despite the fact that the recordings are 35 years old. All in all, these are unmissable accounts. But if you want even minimal documentation and a more professional presentation, which you should, I would go for one of the other reissues of these performances"